Portman leans toward ban on job bias against gays

'Inclined to support' bill with religious exemption

10:43 PM,
Oct. 29, 2013

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio

Written by

Deirdre Shesgreen
| dshesgreen@enquirer.com

Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday he is "inclined to support" a politically contentious proposal that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees - a bill he had previously expressed concerns about.

Portman's possible "yes" vote could be pivotal for the measure, which is currently just a few votes shy of the 60-vote threshold needed to defeat a GOP-led filibuster.

The Senate could consider it in the coming weeks, and Portman, a Republican from Terrace Park, has been among those targeted by gay rights groups who are pushing for the bill's ...